Cypsela morphology and anatomy in some genera formerly placed in Inula (Asteraceae: Inuleae – Inulinae)

Abstract

The morphology and anatomy of cypsela of 15 species belonging to four genera namely, Dittrichia, Duhaldea, Inula and Iphiona of the Inuleae – Inulinae are examined. All were formerly placed in the genus Inula. Mature cypsela of Inula, Duhaldea and Iphiona shows prominent ribs whereas in Dittrichia ribs are absent. Inula britannica, I. orientalis and I. rhizocephala have distinct cypsela morphology and carpopodium structure. Whereas, remaining six species are placed in three different groups. Cypselae of Inula (s. str.) and Duhaldea are nearly similar in morphology and anatomy. However, they vary in size, surface and number of ribs as well as in shape and size of carpopodium. Dittrichia differs from other three genera in having cypsela without ribs, glandular-pubescent surface, size of carpopodium and diameter of foramen. Iphiona is distinct in having ellipsoid, pubescent cypsela with apically glandular surface